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Health
Respiratory System Health
Nose Health
How to Help Postnasal Drip at Night Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Elevate your head. 2 Use a humidifier. 3 Do a saline rinse before bed. 4 Take oral antihistamines before you turn in. 5 Use a medicated nasal spray a few hours before bed. 6 Save decongestants for daytime. 7 Stay hydrated and keep water close by. 8 Place everything you need next to your bed. 9 Try to relax and unwind in the hours before bedtime. + Show 6 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Jessica Gibson
Last Updated: July 24, 2025 References
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Jessica Gibson is a Writer and Editor who's been with wikiHow since 2014. After completing a year of art studies at the Emily Carr University in Vancouver, she graduated from Columbia College with a BA in History. Jessica also completed an MA in History from The University of Oregon in 2013. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 64,859 times. Learn more...
Picture this—you've just snuggled into bed and are trying to drift off when you notice the dreaded postnasal drip. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to treat postnasal drip at home that will make you more comfortable. Whether it's relaxing, opening up your sinuses, or taking the right medication, there are home remedies for postnasal drip that will relieve irritation and help you get the rest you need!
Steps
1
Elevate your head.
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Sleep with an extra pillow to prevent mucus from gathering at the back of your throat. Have you noticed that your throat feels clogged or scratchy when you wake up? While you sleep, mucus might be collecting in the back of your throat. To make yourself more comfortable, prop your head up with an extra pillow or two.[1]X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
If you're still really uncomfortable in bed, try sleeping in a reclining armchair until your postnasal drip improves.
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Use a humidifier.
Download Article
Run a humidifier in your bedroom so moisture thins the mucus. If it's dry in your bedroom, the mucus in your throat and nasal passage might thicken and make you feel uncomfortably stuffed up. To relieve pressure and make it easier to swallow, run a humidifier in your bedroom so you breathe in moist air while you sleep.[2]X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Don't have a humidifier? Don't worry—take a steamy shower before you go to bed. Breathing in the moist steam can help you feel less clogged.
3
Do a saline rinse before bed.
Download Article
Use a neti pot or squeeze bottle to flush out some of the excess mucus. Fill a sterile squeeze bottle or neti pot with warm saline solution. Then, stand over a sink and tilt your head at a 45-degree angle. Breathe in and slowly pour the saline solution into the upper nostril so it drains out of the bottom one. Repeat this for the other nostril to clear your nasal passages of excess mucus.[3]XResearch source
You can buy the saline solution from the pharmacy or make your own. Just mix 1/8 teaspoon (0.75 g) of table salt with 1 cup (240 ml) of warm distilled water.
Advertisement 4
Take oral antihistamines before you turn in.
Download Article
Reach for antihistamines if you feel stuffed up. If uncomfortable pressure or clogged sinuses from postnasal drip are making it hard to sleep, try oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine. These work by narrowing the blood vessels in your nose so it's easier to breathe and get comfortable. They can also make you drowsy.[4]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Antihistamines reduce mucus-production to relieve postnasal drip and they usually make you drowsy so they're great for nighttime.
Read the manufacturer's dosing instructions so you know how much medication to take and how often to take it. Most oral antihistamines shouldn't be used for more than 2 or 3 days.
5
Use a medicated nasal spray a few hours before bed.
Download Article
Reach for an intranasal corticosteroid spray to treat nighttime coughing. If it's the constant coughing and stuffiness that keeps you up at night, use an intranasal spray about 2 hours before you go to bed. This gives the medication a chance to start working before you try to fall asleep.[5]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Look for sprays that contain fluticasone or triamcinolone to treat postnasal cough. Always follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions.
Advertisement 6
Save decongestants for daytime.
Download Article
Avoid taking decongestants before bed since these can make you alert. Most decongestants contain pseudoephedrine which works to open up stuffy sinuses. Unfortunately, it can make you feel jittery or keep you awake, so just use it during the daytime.[6]X Trustworthy Source FamilyDoctor.orgFamily-focused medical advice site run by the American Academy of Family Doctors Go to source
Read OTC sinus medications carefully since some contain combinations of antihistamines and decongestants.
Always follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions.
7
Stay hydrated and keep water close by.
Download Article
Soothe your throat and manage nighttime coughs. Hopefully, you won't wake up with coughing or a scratchy throat, but if you do, have a glass of water on your bedside table.[7]X Expert Source Arvind MadanNephrologistExpert Interview Water can temporarily stop you from coughing and it can help you clear mucus that's stuck in the back of your throat.[8]XResearch source
Stay hydrated throughout the day, too! Sip water, decaffeinated tea, or juice to keep the mucus moving. If your throat dries out, it might start to feel scratchy.
Reader Poll: We asked 920 wikiHow readers if drinking tea before bed helps them sleep, and 50% of them said yes. [Take Poll] Try decaffeinated tea if you want something other than water!
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Place everything you need next to your bed.
Download Article
Set up a soothing station on your bedside so you don't have to get up in the night. It's bad enough to be woken by a cough or throat irritation so make things easier on yourself by keeping water, cough drops, tissues, or pain relievers next to your bed.[9]XResearch source
Have a bedside lamp or small light available so you can see your medication.
9
Try to relax and unwind in the hours before bedtime.
Download Article
Minimize screen time and do something calming before you try to sleep. It can be hard to fall asleep even when you're not suffering from postnasal drip! Bright computer or tv screens and loud music could keep you energized, making it harder to drift off. To set yourself up for sleep success, avoid screens a few hours before you sleep and do something relaxing like journaling, yoga, or reading.[10]XResearch source
Skip the caffeine and alcohol so it doesn't keep you alert when you're trying to fall asleep.
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Clear Congestion With This Expert Series
Living with congestion is hard. Decongest and get rid of your cough or breathing issues naturally with these expert articles. 1 How to Clear Chest Congestion & Get Rid of Symptoms Fast 2 Get Rid of a Chesty Cough 3 Decongest Naturally 4 Heal the Lungs Naturally 5 Improve Your Breathing 6 Relieve Head Congestion
Expert Q&A
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Tips
You may be able to find a sinus product that combines a decongestant with an antihistamine. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Avoid mixing medications since they may interact to cause side effects. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Contact your doctor if you develop a fever, have bloody mucus, have difficulty breathing, or have mucus that smells bad.[11]X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Jessica Gibson wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Jessica Gibson is a Writer and Editor who's been with wikiHow since 2014. After completing a year of art studies at the Emily Carr University in Vancouver, she graduated from Columbia College with a BA in History. Jessica also completed an MA in History from The University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 64,859 times. 11 votes - 100% Co-authors: 6Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 64,859 Categories: Nose Health
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Elevate your head. 2 Use a humidifier. 3 Do a saline rinse before bed. 4 Take oral antihistamines before you turn in. 5 Use a medicated nasal spray a few hours before bed. 6 Save decongestants for daytime. 7 Stay hydrated and keep water close by. 8 Place everything you need next to your bed. 9 Try to relax and unwind in the hours before bedtime. + Show 6 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Jessica Gibson 
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Co-authored by: Jessica Gibson wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Jessica Gibson is a Writer and Editor who's been with wikiHow since 2014. After completing a year of art studies at the Emily Carr University in Vancouver, she graduated from Columbia College with a BA in History. Jessica also completed an MA in History from The University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 64,859 times. 11 votes - 100% Co-authors: 6 Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 64,859 Categories: Nose Health 
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Sleep with an extra pillow to prevent mucus from gathering at the back of your throat. Have you noticed that your throat feels clogged or scratchy when you wake up? While you sleep, mucus might be collecting in the back of your throat. To make yourself more comfortable, prop your head up with an extra pillow or two.[1] 
Run a humidifier in your bedroom so moisture thins the mucus. If it's dry in your bedroom, the mucus in your throat and nasal passage might thicken and make you feel uncomfortably stuffed up. To relieve pressure and make it easier to swallow, run a humidifier in your bedroom so you breathe in moist air while you sleep.[2] 
Use a neti pot or squeeze bottle to flush out some of the excess mucus. Fill a sterile squeeze bottle or neti pot with warm saline solution. Then, stand over a sink and tilt your head at a 45-degree angle. Breathe in and slowly pour the saline solution into the upper nostril so it drains out of the bottom one. Repeat this for the other nostril to clear your nasal passages of excess mucus.[3] 
Reach for antihistamines if you feel stuffed up. If uncomfortable pressure or clogged sinuses from postnasal drip are making it hard to sleep, try oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine. These work by narrowing the blood vessels in your nose so it's easier to breathe and get comfortable. They can also make you drowsy.[4] 
Reach for an intranasal corticosteroid spray to treat nighttime coughing. If it's the constant coughing and stuffiness that keeps you up at night, use an intranasal spray about 2 hours before you go to bed. This gives the medication a chance to start working before you try to fall asleep.[5] 
Avoid taking decongestants before bed since these can make you alert. Most decongestants contain pseudoephedrine which works to open up stuffy sinuses. Unfortunately, it can make you feel jittery or keep you awake, so just use it during the daytime.[6] 
Soothe your throat and manage nighttime coughs. Hopefully, you won't wake up with coughing or a scratchy throat, but if you do, have a glass of water on your bedside table.[7] Water can temporarily stop you from coughing and it can help you clear mucus that's stuck in the back of your throat.[8] 
Set up a soothing station on your bedside so you don't have to get up in the night. It's bad enough to be woken by a cough or throat irritation so make things easier on yourself by keeping water, cough drops, tissues, or pain relievers next to your bed.[9] 
Minimize screen time and do something calming before you try to sleep. It can be hard to fall asleep even when you're not suffering from postnasal drip! Bright computer or tv screens and loud music could keep you energized, making it harder to drift off. To set yourself up for sleep success, avoid screens a few hours before you sleep and do something relaxing like journaling, yoga, or reading.[10]